The GREAT campaign, Ministry of Justice and Department for International Trade are delighted to lead a legal services sector trade mission to the UAE & Expo 2020 Dubai in November 2021. We would like to invite members of the UK legal services sector to join our delegation to the UAE between 22-26 November 2021.
This is a unique opportunity for you to meet new clients, expand your networks and take part in panel sessions, business matching meetings and private roundtables hosted by the UK Government.
Background
Over the last year the GREAT campaign to promote legal services has undertaken virtual trade missions and conferences to Africa, and more recently the Middle East, to support the UK legal sector overseas. Whilst virtual events have brought benefits and new learnings to our campaign, we are now looking ahead to our first in-person event since the pandemic began with our visit to the UAE & Expo 2020 Dubai.
About the mission:
• This legal services sector mission will visit the UAE from 22nd to 26th November 2021.
• The mission delegation will be made up of UK legal professionals and will likely include a minister from the Ministry of Justice.
• This mission will provide delegates with valuable experience, industry contacts and potential export opportunities.
Programme:
• One day of the programme will take place at the UK Pavilion (the official location for the UK’s participation at Expo 2020 Dubai) with senior HMG representatives. The programme will include panel sessions, skills sharing workshops and an evening reception.
• The programme will also provide time for business meetings and further networking opportunities, as well as other panel events, breakout sessions and tailored business development opportunities.
• The in-market programme will be arranged and set up by the Ministry of Justice, Department for International Trade, Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and sector bodies.
• You will receive a market briefing session by the British Ambassador or chargé d’affaires, along with the DIT in-country team.
• Please note that the above is subject to change. Additional details will be set out to the delegation in due course.
Benefits of the mission:
• Prestigious networking receptions, company presentations and business matching meetings with businesses, local lawyers and other relevant legal professionals.
• A mission brochure will be produced to advertise your company or services both prior to, and during, the mission.
• You can take advantage of an optional negotiated accommodation package or make your own accommodation arrangements.
Why the UAE?
• The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is one of the UK’s most important trading partners and one of the fastest growing markets for UK exports. In 2018, exports to the UAE from the UK totalled more than £10.5 billion and we had a trade surplus of more than £4 billion (ONS, 2018).
• The UAE is the UK’s 11th largest export market for legal services. There are over 40 UK law firms based in the region with an estimated 900 plus English & Welsh solicitors and 70+ Scottish solicitors practising in the UAE on a permanent basis.
• Dubai is a regional hub and commercial capital for the Middle East, North Africa and beyond with associated international dispute resolution facilities on in the DIFC applying the common law and offering practice rights to UK practitioners. Nearby Abu Dhabi has more recently established its Global Markets Court on similar lines.
For more information, view the exporting to the UAE country guide.
Requirements:
In order to take part in the delegation, your company/firm/chamber must meet the following qualifications:
• headquartered in the UK;
have a strong interest in the UAE market or Middle Eastern markets, and the bandwidth to service Middle Eastern clients.
• be a qualified legal practitioner.
To note: Whilst we accept multiple applications from each company/ firm/chamber we will only be selecting one representative from each to join the delegation.
Costs:
• You will need to book and pay for flights, hotels and in market subsistence and travel.
• There is no fee to be part of the delegation or take part in the mission. All costs related to the programme will be covered by the UK government.
Application
If this trade mission is of interest to you, please complete our short application form by Friday 10th September 2021.
Apply now to be on the trade mission delegation
We look forward to receiving your application.
If you have any questions about the application process, please email legalservicesaregreat@justice.gov.uk